telephone messages public announcements (e.g. at an airport) parts of a business presentation half of a conversation (you cant hear the other person)
listen twice
2 3 telephone messages or conversations
10 multiple-choice questions (5 using pictures or graphs; 5 using written text) 3 options for each question (A, B or C) 3 texts (such as an order form or a telephone message) to complete each form has 4 spaces and you must write 1 or 2 (or sometimes 3) words in each space match the person speaking (15) with the subject they are talking about (AI) 18 multiple-choice questions 6 questions for each monologue or dialogue 3 options for each question (A, B or C)
listen once
3 10 short monologues
listen once
4 3 long monologues or dialogues
listen twice
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Listening Part 1
Understanding short extracts (10 QUESTIONS)
This unit will help you to prepare for Part 1 of the Listening Test. In this part of the test, you listen to 10 short conversations or monologues and choose the correct information from 3 options. You might hear:
dates (e.g. 27th July) times (e.g. 10 oclock) places (e.g. in reception) descriptions of charts and graphs (e.g. someone describing their companys sales figures) opinions (e.g. I think ) peoples jobs (e.g. salesperson) peoples plans (e.g. Were going to )
This is what you will hear: Question 1: Which is the platform number for the train to London? Announcer: This is an announcement for all passengers waiting for the 12 oclock train to London Waterloo. This train will be leaving from platform 8 in 15 minutes. The correct answer is A.
Often you will hear all the numbers in the recording. Only 1 is correct.
Points to remember
This part of the test concentrates on getting factual information from different listening texts. You will hear each recording twice, so you have a chance to check your answers the second time you listen and even to change your answer if you think it is wrong. The questions are multiple choice (A, B or C) so only 1 answer can be correct. Never leave a question unanswered. If you dont know, guess! (You have a 1 in 3 chance of being correct.) You will have 10 seconds to look at each question before you listen. Use this time carefully to read the question and the 3 options. Think about the information you need to find. Underline the key word(s) in the question.
Look at questions 2 and 3. Listen and complete the spaces in the recording script with 1 or 2 words. Listen twice, then check the answer key and recording scripts on page 78. Then answer each question. 2
A
2
You will hear 10 short recordings. For questions 110, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear each recording twice.
In 5 questions, you choose the correct picture; in the other 5 questions, you choose the correct written option. Listen carefully both times. Remember to check your answers the second time you listen.
Question 2: Which product is the company going to launch? Manager: And finally, Im delighted to tell you that this year our sales have been very good. Sales of photo printers have (a) .................... , laptops have also (b) .................... , and we expect the HR4M digital camera (c) .................... a great success (d) .................... it goes on to the market (e) .................... .
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Listening Part 1
3
A
Can you see all the options in the recording script below?
This is what you will hear: Question 6: Which department will Steves new job be in? Woman: So, youve finished your training, Steve. Any plans? Steve: I enjoyed the nancial management training, and selling sounds interesting, but Ive always liked working with people, so Im starting in Human Resources on Monday.
Only this option is talking about a future plan.
Question 3: Which is the correct picture of the new office? Woman: Whats happened to the office? I couldnt find the photocopier this morning. Man: We made some changes while you were on holiday. Woman: I noticed! Man: Yes, its (a) ................... to the coffee machine (b) ................... it was too crowded sometimes during coffee breaks. We (c) ................... reception, but that would be too noisy. Woman: So its in the (d) ................... room (e) ................... .
7 What does the announcer say about the flight to Mlaga? A The plane has a technical problem. Think before you listen.What typical phrases do you hear B The flight will be delayed. in airport announcements? C The flight will depart soon. 8
C
100 80 60 40 20 0 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Sales
5
A
Who is the man on the phone going to meet today? A his line manager Would you talk to these B a client people in the same way? C a colleague
Check your answers on page 78. The recording scripts are on pages 7879. Now do the test on pages 811.
Check your answers on page 78. The recording scripts are also on page 78. 7
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Listening Test
Part One Questions 110
10
You will hear 10 short recordings. For questions 110, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear each recording twice.
Pizza bought retail Pizzas delivered to homes from takeaways Pizzas consumed in restaurants
Pizza bought retail Pizzas delivered to homes from takeaways Pizzas consumed in restaurants
Pizza bought retail Pizzas delivered to homes from takeaways Pizzas consumed in restaurants
Listening Part 1
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Listening Part 1
4 What is the rst thing that the speaker usually does at work? A B
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A
% of total spending on advertising in Europe Two years ago 35% Now
B
% of total spending on advertising in Europe Two years ago 35% Now
TV
Newspapers
Internet
TV
Newspapers
Internet
C
% of total spending on advertising in Europe Two years ago 35% Now
TV
Newspapers
Internet
6 What is the latest news about Petersons? A It has gone out of business. B It has been acquired by another company. C It has been re-launched under a new name.
Listening Part 1
7 What is notable about the consumption of eggs by 17- to 24-year-olds? A They eat the highest number of eggs of all age groups. B The trend is different from that of most other age groups. C There is a difference between the numbers of males and females who eat eggs.
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Listening Part 1
8 What was causing a problem for shopkeepers? A the size and shape of the drinks bottles B the design of the labels on the drinks bottles C the strength of the containers that the drinks bottles came in
9 What is the speakers view of the housing market? A It has become less likely to show massive swings up or down. B It is showing signs of being increasingly unstable. C It may well suffer a huge drop in the near future.
10 What does the speaker criticise about the website? A Details about the stores werent available on the site. B The companys products werent shown in enough detail. C The design of the home page wasnt consistent with other pages.
Check your answers on page 79. The recording scripts are also on page 79.
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Listening Part 2
Taking down messages, notes, etc. (12 QUESTIONS)
This unit will help you to prepare for Part 2 of the Listening Test. In this part of the test, you will listen to 3 telephone messages or conversations and write down 4 pieces of information from the conversations. You might have to complete:
a note for another person (e.g. a telephone message) notes for you (e.g. something you need to remember in your job) a form (a printed document) used as part of your job, such as an order form
Message
To: Jim Carter Zenith From: Phillip Allen, (1) ............ Industries Message: His order of (2) .................... (50 packs), didnt arrive. Please ring him ( 3) ................... . Contact details: Call him on (4) ................... .
You wont see the recording script in the test.
Points to remember
This part of the test concentrates on factual information. All the answers are in the conversations or telephone messages you will hear. Write down exactly what you hear. Dont change the grammar or the vocabulary. There are no contractions (e.g. cant), possessives (e.g. Johns) or hyphens (e.g. high-quality) in the answers. Correct spelling is important. You will lose marks for incorrect spelling. Always check your answers at the end. You will only hear each recording once, so be prepared for this. You will have 20 seconds to look at each part before you listen. Use this time carefully to read the question. Think about the information you need to find. Is it a verb? Is it a noun? Is it a number? The answer could be 1 or 2 (or sometimes 3) words or a number.
You will hear three conversations. Fill in the numbered spaces, using the information you hear. You will hear each conversation once only.
The instructions for each conversation will tell you if you have to complete a form or notes.
Woman: Hello. Client Services. Can I help you? Man: Yes. Id like to speak to Jim Carter about an order we made. Woman: Im afraid hes not in today. Can I take a message? Man: Yes. Could you tell him Phillip Allen from Zenith Industries thats Z-E-N-I-T-H called? Woman: OK. And whats the message? Man: I asked for 50 packs of printer paper last week and I expected them to be delivered yesterday, but nothing arrived. Woman: Thanks. Hell be back late today so Ill tell him to call you tomorrow. Can I take your telephone number? Man: Sure. Hes got my office number, but he could try my mobile phone on 0343 423 7373. Woman: OK. Ill give him your message. Man: Thanks. Goodbye.
Check your answers on page 79.
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Listening Part 2
Read the advice below. Then listen and complete the sentences. Thinking about the missing words Before you listen: Look at each space and think about what type of word each one could be. Most of them will be nouns, but what type? Are they things? Are they places? Are they days or months? As you listen: Write the missing words. There might be 1 or 2 (or sometimes 3) words missing in each space. Concentrate on the correct spelling because this is important in the test.
What information does an invoice have on it?
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Test practice
Now try these questions. They are like the ones you will see in the test. Fill in the numbered spaces on the forms.
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Look at the message below. You will hear a man leaving a message for your colleague about a delivery problem.
What kind of word is missing here?
Telephone Message
Message from: Pete Thompson, FX Transport Message to: Alain Re: your order for (1) .................... supplies. There is a problem because a (2) .................... has affected their records. Please could you confirm the product (3) .................... by calling 0203 4533 3455. Also, the last delivery was to the (4) .................... . Please also confirm if thats the case for this order, too.
Do you know any collocations with product? This must be a place. Where do deliveries sometimes go?
near Paris.
c We expected four ....................
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Look at the notes below. You will hear a man talking to a colleague about a meeting they are going to attend.
What other types of cost can projects have?
presentation.
i What are the exact .................... of the product?
Remember to take information on raw material and (5) .................... costs. Prepare cost breakdown for the banks (6) .................... Manager. Meet Matt at (7) .................... .
What could go before the word manager? How could you nish the sentence Meet me at ?
Check your answers on page 79. The recording scripts are on page 80.
Check your answers on page 79. The recording scripts are on page 80. Now do the test on pages 1415.
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Listening Test
Part Two Questions 1122
14
You will hear three conversations. Fill in the numbered spaces, using the information you hear. You will hear each conversation once only.
Look at the form below. You will hear a phone call from a magazine reader to the magazine asking for franchising company prospectuses. Franchiser Magazine Company Prospectus Request Form Reader Name: Bill Tyson Postcode: SN2 8BY House number: 10 Current Position: (11) ........................................................................................... Special skills/Qualications: (12) .......................................................................... Franchise company prospectus request: Type of company interested in: (13) ...................................................................... Geographical area of interest: (14) .......................................................................
Listening Part 2
14
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Listening Part 2
Look at the message below. You will hear a phone message from a supply company.
Phone Message For: From: Re:
Emily Chung Sam Webster, SW Packaging Supplies your order for (15) . rolls
The order delivery will be delayed until (16) . theyre waiting for an overdue (17) . to arrive from the manufacturers. They apologise for the inconvenience. If this causes any problems, contact (18) . department on 01424 797999.
Look at the notes below. You will hear a phone call between an employment agent and his client about a job vacancy. Vacant post: (19) . at Campbell and Ross Type of business: (20) . Additions to basic salary: (21) . , pension and long holidays Closing date for applications: (22) .
Check your answers on page 80. The recording scripts are on pages 8081.
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Listening Part 3
Understanding short extracts (10 QUESTIONS)
This unit will help you to prepare for Part 3 of the Listening Test. This part of the test has 2 sections. In each section:
you will hear 5 people talking the 5 people might be talking about 5 different subjects or about different parts of the same subject you have to decide what subject, or part of the subject, each person is talking about you have 9 options to choose from (AI)
Points to remember
This part of the test checks how well you can understand what a speaker means (what his or her main message is). It does not test how well you can understand individual words or numbers like Part 1 or Part 2. You will only hear each recording once, so be prepared for this. You will have 20 seconds to look at each part before you listen. Use this time carefully. Read the question and think about what type of language or vocabulary you might hear for each part. There is an example at the beginning of each section. (The answer to this is always I.)
delivery department customer services sales and marketing accounts department research and development quality control production department IT department training department
Example We get a lot of people straight from university and the problem is, they may have studied business and know something about finance1 and cash flow2 and things like that, but not how to run a meeting or what to do if customers complain3. Thats what we do we turn them from students into managers. 1, 2 and 3 are included to distract you. You hear words which sound like they might be one of the answers. Finance and cash flow could be connected to the accounts department (D). Customers complain could be connected to customer services (B). In this example, they are not the correct answer.
This is talking about teaching staff new skills, so you write I training department.
This is an example of what you will see in Part 3, Section 1 of the Listening Test:
Part Three Section One Questions 2327
This bullet tells you what subject you will hear people talking about.
You will hear ve people talking about the department of a company where they work. As you listen to each one, decide in what part of their company each person works. Choose your answer from the list AI, and write the correct letter in the space provided. You will hear the ve pieces once only. Example: ..........I..........
I is always the example.
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Listening Part 3
Look at the recording scripts below and listen to speakers 1 and 2. The first time you listen: complete the spaces in the recording scripts. These words are distractors (words or expressions that sound like possible answers, but in fact are not). then in the left-hand column, write the letter of the department name (and the department name) that the distractor in each space refers to. A B C D E F G H I
delivery department customer services sales and marketing accounts department research and development quality control production department IT department training department
The second time you listen: underline the correct answer in the recording scripts and write the answers in the spaces provided.
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G Space 1 ...... ...... production .................... department Space 2 ............ .................... department
output Person 1: I know were working hard to increase (1) .................... and improve (2) .................... , but it doesnt really matter how good our products are, or how many we make, if the customers arent interested in buying them. We make sure that customers know our products exist, see them in magazines and newspapers, and so on. Answer: .................... (.................... department)
Which department was this person talking about? Write the letter and the department name here.
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Person 2: We dont get that many (3) .................... these days, but when we do, its probably my responsibility. If a customer receives one of our products that doesnt work, OK I didnt (4) .................... it myself, but I, or someone in my department should have noticed the problem before it left the factory; it should have been checked. Answer: .................... (.................... department)
Check your answers on page 81. The recording scripts are also are on page 81.
Test practice
17
Now listen to speakers 3, 4 and 5 and choose the correct letter for each one.
Check your answers on page 81. The recording scripts are also on page 81. Now do the test on page 18. 17
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Listening Test
Part Three Section One Questions 2327
18
You will hear ve people talking about changes that companies have made. As you listen to each one, decide the area in which each company has made changes. Choose your answer from the list AI, and write the correct letter in the space provided. You will hear the ve pieces once only. I ............. A B C D E F G H I media exposure product development brand stretching group structure workforce diversity quality control internal communication channels customer loyalty organisation of work activities
You will hear ve people giving advice about what to do before signing a contract. As you listen to each one, decide what advice each speaker gives. Choose your answer from the list AI, and write the correct letter in the space provided. You will hear the ve pieces once only. I ............. A Be clear about what you want from the contract before reading it. B Make notes to summarise each section. C Always ask for changes if necessary. D While you read the contract, give it your full attention. E Be prepared to be exible. F Never sign if you feel under pressure. G Ask another person to read it for you carefully. H Read each section of the contract more than once. I Always check the contracts written by your own lawyers.
Listening Part 3
29 30 31 32
Check your answers on page 81. The recording scripts are on pages 8182.
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Listening Part 4
Understanding a longer recording (18 QUESTIONS)
This unit will help you to prepare for Part 4 of the Listening Test. This part of the test has 3 sections: normally the easier questions are at the beginning. There are 3 possible types of listening in this part:
This is an example of what you will see in Part 4, Section 1 of the Listening Test:
Part Four Section One Questions 3338
a monologue (1 person speaking) an interview (a dialogue where 1 person asks short questions and the other person answers) a conversation (a dialogue where both people talk for about the same amount of time)
You can nd out 3 important details here: 1 the type of listening text 2 who is speaking (and how many people there are) 3 what they are talking about
You will hear a radio interview1 with Jane Holden, a Human Resources specialist2, talking about problems with recruiting new staff3. For questions 3338, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear the conversation twice.
radio broadcasts speeches (e.g. at conferences, presentations) meetings, job interviews and other business situations
Points to remember
33 According to Jane, what is the biggest problem companies have when recruiting new staff? A There arent enough qualied people available. B Most people dont have the right experience. C Training doesnt attract young people.
In the text you probably wont hear exactly the same questions when you listen so its important to listen for similar words.
This part of the test checks how well you can understand details, attitudes or opinions from a longer listening. You will hear each recording twice, so you have a chance to check your answers the second time you listen and even to change your answer if you think it is wrong. The questions are multiple choice (A, B or C) so only 1 answer can be correct. Never leave a question unanswered. If you dont know, guess! (You have a 1 in 3 chance of being correct.) Remember that the words used will not be the same in the question and the options (A, B or C) as in the listening text. You need to listen for words/expressions with similar meanings. You will have 20 seconds to look at each part before you listen. Use this time carefully to read the question and the 3 options. Think about the information you need to find. Underline the key word(s) in the question.
This is an important word. It tells you what type of problem to listen for.
Interviewer: Jane, what is the biggest problem companies have when looking for new staff these days? Jane: Were still having a few problems nding people with the right qualications and experience. Those problems will always exist, but one thing we now see and I think this is very serious is that school leavers just arent interested in training perhaps its the low salaries.
Does a few mean these problems are very serious? Does this look like any of the options A, B or C?
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Listening Part 4
Now listen again, and look at both the options and the questions. Which one is correct? Check your answers on page 82. The recording scripts are on pages 8283.
Test practice
20 Now try this exercise. It is like the one you will see in the test. You will hear an extract from a presentation made by a woman about her companys services. This time read the questions and the options before you listen.
1 What does this company do? A help companies do business abroad B offer financial help to companies C give training to foreign workers 2 A franchise is a good idea because A your partner takes all the risk. B the costs are low. C they are very profitable.
3 How can this company help you with franchises? A They can help with contracts. B They help with the legal costs. C They find suitable partners. 4 What is the disadvantage of joint ventures? A They cost 50% more than a franchise. B They always take a long time to organise. C They can be ended by one partner.
Check your answers on page 82. The recording scripts are on pages 8283. Which method worked best for you: covering the options or reading them first? Use the method you liked best in the test. Now do the test on pages 2123.
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Listening Part 4
Listening Test
Part Four Section One Questions 3338
21
You will hear a college lecturer talking about the contribution of production and marketing to achieving business aims. For questions 3338, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear the talk twice.
33 According to the speaker, in mass production decision-making is A based on workers skills. B separate from production itself. C a continuous process. 34 In the shoe factory, the walk was a term used to describe A the distance materials had to be moved in production. B how much time it took to move shoes through production. C how far each worker needed to move during production. 35 The production manager was surprised because A quality was improved. B efciency was increased. C space was saved. 36 What was a sign of success for the car factory? A Errors were less likely to be serious. B Fewer suppliers were needed. C The amount of stock was reduced. 37 The ice cream company decided to focus their competitiveness on A making sure that their prices undercut those of their rivals. B ensuring that their products were consistently of high quality. C setting up an effective distribution network. 38 The ice cream companys marketing strategy was special because they A introduced the product in a new kind of packaging. B advertised the product more widely than their competitors. C depended on customers telling each other about the product.
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You will hear a radio interview with Simon Cartier, the owner of a chain of clothing shops. For questions 3944, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear the interview twice.
39 Why did Cartier leave the company that employed him for ten years? A He was replaced by a new appointee. B His position disappeared in a restructuring of the company. C The company was closed down. 40 To start his rst business, The Outt, he used A venture capitalists. B his own savings. C money from Jack Cartier. 41 What section of the clothing market was his second company, Massive Stores, aimed at? A clothing for a specialist market B top-of-the-range clothing for leisure C reduced price clothing 42 What advantage did previous experience in business give him when developing Massive Stores? A He knew who to turn to for advice on starting the business. B Manufacturers were willing to take a risk by helping him. C A landlord let him have premises at a reduced rent. 43 Which area of business does he concentrate on now? A the overall management of the companys nances B the control of purchasing of stock for retailing C the setting up of additional outlets 44 How does he feel about the possibility of retiring from business? A He enjoys the world of business too much to give it up. B He looks forward to spending more time doing leisure activities. C Hed like to take temporary retirement for a while then return to work.
Listening Part 4
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Listening Part 4
You will hear Diana Warren, a business consultant, giving a talk on how she set up her business consultancy. For questions 4550, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear the talk twice.
45 What was the rst step Diana Warren took when she decided to be a business consultant? A She identied the areas where there was a lack of specialists. B She examined what her career had taught her. C She took time to research potential clients. 46 What does she say about her own personal qualities? A She had to pretend to be condent when she started her consultancy. B She believes experience gave her sufcient condence. C She has always had plenty of condence with clients. 47 She says the skills that you offer as a consultant ideally ought to suit clients A in areas where demand is growing. B in areas likely to emerge in the future. C in an area which has maintained its popularity. 48 To sell your product, she says you need to A promote as many of your skills as possible. B list particular skills that you can provide. C present your skills in clear groups. 49 How did she market her new consultancy? A She advertised in industry publications. B She asked her rst clients to recommend her. C She informed all the people she knew about it. 50 What is her opinion about writing articles for business journals? A It was time-consuming, but provided useful publicity. B The articles brought in a lot of new business in a short time. C Writing for internet sites was a more protable use of her time.
Check your answers on page 83. The recording scripts are on pages 8385.
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